It’s Flashy! It’s Affordable..and It’s Important!
Last year ____(give the number) elementary school students in the state of Illinois were given a chance of a lifetime, and all at little cost to their school districts! No other organization in Illinois offers any type of speech competition for grades 5-8, and a proud traditional of elementary and junior speech and dramatics stretching all the way back to 1934.
IT’S IMPORTANT: Speech is an integral part of the activities offered by the IESA. No other form of activity is more important than that of learning to speak effectively in front of others. The IESA Speech program is an exciting and beneficial way for students to learn to express themselves.
IT TEACHES VALUABLE SKILLS: Being a member of the speech team combines the importance of study, dedication, team work and creativity. Still, there is far more that participation in Speech can do for students. At the center of all Speech and Drama events is communication. Like all the arts, Speech allows students to communicate with and understand others in new ways. Perhaps more than any other activity, Speech also provides training in the very practical aspects of communication so necessary in today's increasingly information-centered world. The ability to communicate effectively will give students the tools to be dynamic leaders in their communities.
IT’S FOR A LIFETIME: According to the Book of Lists, the Number One Fear among adults is the fear of speaking in public. Not so with those who get a taste of the skill early in life. Students who have participated in Speech or Drama activities are less likely to have difficulty speaking in public, will be more persuasive in their communications, both written and oral, will be better able to put themselves into others' shoes and relate to them, and will have a more positive, confident self image.
IT BUILDS ON ALL THE STUDENT KNOWS: We hear it all the time…teachers in other disciplines have commented for years on the way their IESA speech contestants have gained a new confidence, and it’s a self-reliance that carries to every corner of the classroom experience. And, as teamwork is an increasingly prized skill in today’s workforce, Speech builds up the student’s ability to work as a part of a group.
IESA SPEECH A state contest is held annually in 21 contest regions throughout the state. Typically, contests occur on the first three Fridays or Saturdays in November, with one school in each region hosting the contest. Judging is conducted by adult judges, and performances are evaluated against adjudication criteria for the event. Rather than one school competing against another, each boy and girl gets a chance to compete with their own potential. Anyone and everyone participating may earn the highest rating. More importantly, each contestant is given valuable suggestions and encouragement from the IESA judges.
Entering IESA Speech Membership in the IESA is open to all public and parochial elementary, middle, and junior high schools recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education. Over seven hundred fifty schools constitute the present membership of the IESA. All member schools are eligible to enter the activity of Speech. To enter Speech, contact the IESA Office or access our website (www.iesa.org). The Speech activity fee is due in September. Individual events are $5.00 per entry, duets are $10.00 per entry, small groups are $10.00 per entry, and chorale presentations (9-20 students) are $20.00 per group. Categories and events: Individual Events- Solo Acting, Poetry, Impromptu Speaking, Original Script, Storytelling Duet Events- Duet Acting, Improv Duet Acting, Original Script Small Group Acting for 3-5 performers Chorale Presentation for 9-20 performers
IESA Annual Speech Workshop The IESA sponsors one workshop annually devoted exclusively to the activity of Speech. The workshop is designed to aid the first– and second–year coach, as well as the veteran. New coaches are introduced to IESA Speech By-Laws, shown various coaching techniques, given the opportunity to purchase source material, enjoy student performances, and network with other coaches. For veteran coaches, the workshop serves as a motivator, introduces new techniques, and reinforces existing theories.
Why Our Students should be Involved in IESA Speech? "I tell my football players that it was the athletic program at Triopia that made me a player, but it was Jr. High speech contest that made me a coach. That's where I learned to express myself." --Jay Wessler, former head football coach, Triopia High School and member of state champion IHSA football team